San Miguel Beermen Basketball Updates

Photo Credit: PBA.ph & Denrei Catalan

Imagine Danny Seigle at small forward, Jay Washington at power forward, and Dorian Pena at center for SMB’s starting bigmen. Rest some of their starters and you have Bonbon Custodio to play at guard spot while Mick Pennisi can replace Dorian Pena at center.

That’s how deep and talented San Miguel’s lineup today as they contend for another crack at the championship. Their core of players from last season was virtually intact except for Danny Ildefonso who needs an operation for his foot injury.

With these additions, expect San Miguel to provide new look on their game because of these new guys. And oh, have I mentioned that they also become bigger with the 2 bigmen and a quicker with fast guard Bonbon Custodio?

Boy, San Miguel is a team to watch this season. Brace yourself for an exciting season!

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3 acquisitions give Beermen more spunk

Source: Malaya Online Edition (malaya.com.ph)
October 1, 2008

With three new players in its fold, San Miguel Beer (formerly Magnolia Beverage Masters) is ready to contend anew in the pro league, starting with the Philippine Cup starting this Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen recently acquired three vital players in Mick Pennisi, Jay Washington and Bonbon Custodio who are considered by the coaching staff, led by head coach Siot Tanquincen, as what the doctor ordered in the team’s quest for its 18th PBA title.

After coming up short in its bid to reach the final of the recent Fiesta Conference, San Miguel shopped around for players who can give the team extra kick and found what it was looking for in the trio.

The 6-foot11 Pennisi, at 33, remains a feared and hard-nosed defender. Acquired from Red Bull, Pennisi has vowed to bring his brand of smart play into the San Miguel Beer system.

“I’m not at all athletic and we know that athleticism just comes and goes. Although I’m not a high scorer, I can hit open shots, set good screens,” said the Fil-Australian.

The 6-foot-8 Washington, formerly with Talk N Text, is ready to start all over again with the Beermen.

“My huge smile should tell you that I’m very happy to be with San Miguel. I haven’t had my A game after I was drafted and it was truly frustrating,” said the 26-year-old who looks to play a lot more pesky defense, block shots and make the right passes.

While Pennisi and Washington bring size to the team, Custodio brings quickness, shooting and ability to penetrate. “I just want to play my best game with San Miguel. I have to do justice to being a San Miguel Beerman,” he said.

With the trio in the fold, the Beermen are ready to kick into high gear a run-and-gun game, according to veteran guard Olsen Race, an optimism shared by Tanquincen.

“I believe we can do it. In the international arena, that’s the prevailing trend. It is just a matter of adjustment for some of the players who are used to a half-court set,” Tanquincen said.

Racela will continue to play major minutes but will also play a key role in guiding the young players, particularly Marc Pingris and Jonas Villanueva, who are still fitting into Tanquincen’s scheme of things.

The team veterans also have some adjusting to do. Dorian Pena will have Ken Bono and Pennisi joining him at the post. Danny Seigle, Lordy Tugade and Dondon Hontiveros can expect an extra hand in scoring from Custodio.

Mike Cortez is already part of a formidable three-guard combo that includes Racela and Villanueva. Wesley Gonzales and Chris Calaguio remain dependable defensive players off the bench.

Although former MVP Danny Ildefonso and Samigue Eman are in sick bay, the Beermen can hold the fort, according to Tanquincen.

“Our morale is really good and you can see it in practice. It’s actually a long process. With our lineup, we expect to be called favorites again just like last year. We were able to balance the team with our new acquisitions. It’s our chance to prove that we’re really the favorites,” Tanquincen said.

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